11/11/2025
Mike Daw, my Marine veteran Father in Vietnam 1969. Showing us proper techniques at our home in upstate NY with a similar rifle just a few years ago. All bundled up with a plaid flannel, facing the chill in the mountain air.
I remember the smell of the fallen gold maple leaves covering our wood's floor.
I recall driving Dad down the trail on my Yamaha Kodiak, him holding on tight as we go down towards the hollow behind the sugar bush. π
I watched him analyze every aspect, sight in his target and take aim with this cold, black AR15... Tink! He took his turns, we shot as well but surely didn't have the same feelings he must have had while doing so. He was excited, but reserved. He was silently remembering.... while trying to stay in the moment.
What was just a part of a day in our woods, was much more than that to me. It was connecting again with a soul that had this part of his history he didn't want to remember. It was a chance to shoot without remorse, without questioning choices, without loss, just shooting to watch the metal targets fall over just up the path.
A lightness came over him as his daughter, son and son-in-law took shots. He was up again, ready and aiming for the old rotor further away than his first few targets. The leaves were falling slowly, the sun was peaking out behind the cloud cover and my Father was now in the moment. Present.
Veteran's Day isn't easy, it's the day my Grandpa Bill Burdick, also a war veteran passed away. He would be on our mind and in our hearts every Veteran's Day. Now, I have another one to remember that is gone but never forgotten! π€ π
For all those who served or are serving, I thank you for protecting our nation. πΊπΈ
I remain grateful regardless of the times, the politics, the opinions of others. The US military deserves our support & love β€οΈ every single day!